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Tracy Hampton, PhD

JAMA. 2008;299(24):2841.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Toronto—If viewed through the lens of its most common complaints—loud snoring, disrupted sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness—obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may seem to be more of an annoyance rather than a condition with potentially serious health effects. But the condition imposes considerable risks of developing cardiovascular abnormalities because of the repetitive cycles of snoring, airway collapse, and awakening. One reason for this increased risk is that low blood oxygen levels during these cycles induces harmful responses, such as hypertension, in the vasculature.

Research indicates that continuous positive airway pressure may be an effective way to lower blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension. (Photo credit: Philippe Garo/Phanie/www.sciencesource.com)

Studies presented at the American Thoracic Society's 2008 International Conference here in May assessed the implications of these dangers, as well as indications that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be an effective way . . . [Full Text of this Article]